Life in High Speed

The horses are out of the gate and they're off! Things used to run in slow motion around here but no longer. The semester is in full swing and homework commenses! I've already had and submitted homework and just finished more homework. The knitting has taken a bit of a backseat but it's still there. If you're good boys and girls, I might even take some pictures! REALLY!
Ravelympics is about to start in conjunction with the Olympics. I shall be embarking on a trip to Estonia to participate. I know, I know, the Olympics are not in Estonia but the project is from there. I shall be traveling the path of many more fabulous and talented knitters than I as I attempt to conquer the wild Nub!
Stay tuned- will the homework beast devour me in an ever growing pile of books and papers? Will I get lost and hopelessly tangled in Estonia?

Calm Before the Storm

Well boys and girls, here we are on our last day of Christmas vacation from college. Tomorrow is the beginning of my second semester as a returning student- think I can do it again? I think so too!!

This semester is filled with scary things- Philosophy, History of Western Civ, Gen Physical Science (which Bubba could probably do!!) and Creative Writing. I'm really looking forward to the writing class. I've been wanting to sharpen those rather dull skills for awhile.

I did get one of the BEST things in the mail the other day- A certificate for being on the Dean's Honor Roll last semester. ME! Now to turn in a repeat performance. Hold onto your butts!!

Back to the Grind (Mostly)

School is back in session for the boys and Seminary is off and running (kind of). It feels good to be back on schedule. Classes don't resume for me until the 19th, which is fine. Gives me a little time to get things together.

In the land of knitting, a Ravelry pal and I are going to take a trip to Estonia. She has designed a lovely little itinerary consisting of a rectangular shawl. She just sent the chart so I could try a swatch. This should be an exciting journey into the unknown! I'll take pictures of the journey as we go!

Things have been ridiculously cold- Two degrees with a windchill of -13 during the day... YIKE!! We survived quite nicely, cooking a lot of soups and warm meals. It is nice to have so many yummy soups in our arsenal. I've been trying to include more broth type soups instead of my beloved cream-based soups in an effort to be more health conscious. The Pants on Ravelry has started a thread and a group to support each other. I lost three pounds already this week!! I still need to include MUCH more exercise into my routine but...

Almost A New Year

Well kiddies, here it is almost a new year. A lot has changed and much has stayed the same. I'm not sure what it is about this time of year that makes us want to look back but... here we are. It's time to look back at where we've fallen down and where we've succeeded. Hopefully we find more successes. I don't want to say "failure" either, but rather an opportunity for improvement.

I've gotten myself happily back into college so that's a change for the better. Dale is still stuck in a job he isn't happy with but he's making progress towards certifications so somewhat positive (or at least there is hope). I still haven't gotten into shape... er, well, round is a shape but not the one I was hoping for. Room for improvement, a place to make some good personal goals. Doesn't that sound better then "FAIL"? I sure think so.

We have been blessed much this year even when we don't see it as such. I hope as the new year approaches, all will look back with something positive. I hope we look forward to all the opportunities that present us in the new year.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had as lovely a day as we had. We began with brunch with my mom and Grandmother before opening presents. The kids happily played with their new things, Dale excercised with his new Wii Fit. We all just kicked back for awhile before all meeting for dinner at my sister's house.

On our way home, it seemed bittersweet. It has all come and gone. Time moves on to the next thing. I would like to keep this feeling around all year. There wasn't a lot under the tree but what there was was exactally what we all wanted. We enjoyed each other's company and were together with family. I think that's what it should be like. Tomorrow we keep the fun going with friends. I'm so excited!!! We are going to serve soups and play games. I'm totally looking forward to great company and delicious food.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Okay, so it's not THAT cold outside but there's not much else going on to report. The weather is supposed to turn cold in the next few days. Heck, we could have a white Christmas. That would be cool... get it? I amuse me.

Still waiting and hoping for a couple of checks to come in, the house is about as clean as it's going to get and Hubby is winging his way home. I like that last part best.

These last few days have not been fun (but I made it through, whew!) Hubby has been gone doing work in New York. They worked him pretty stinking hard too. Was there any overtime or bonuses? AHAHA... ahem... sorry about that. ANYWAY, he is finally on his way home after a few delays in O'Hara airport, I'm expecting him in about an hour. ONE hour!! YIPPEEE!!! I might just stick a big bow on him and consider that enough present.

Overlooked Gifts

Today, after re watching The Ultimate Gift, I sat thinking. This is the season we think of gifts in a more material sense. More importantly, it should be about looking at our other gifts. I'm not sure what's going on but this year under the tree will be very sparse. This has really been bothering me. Nothing bad has happened, but the money just isn't there for much right now. Is that really where my focus should be?

What's under the tree really doesn't matter. It's the people around the tree, the fact that I have a family to love, a spouse I adore (and vice-versa) and a house for said tree to be in. We have employment. While it's a bugger of job on Dale- relentless in unpaid overtime and he is completely under appreciated, it's still a job. We can pay the bills, have plenty of food and manage pretty well. That's sadly more then many people can say.

It's hard to see the bright side but there really is one. I want to look at what's good at my life. There is so much to be thankful and grateful for.

Long Overdue

This last 18 weeks have flown by in a blur. After about twenty, yes twenty years, I finally returned to college. I took twelve hours at Butler Community College with the original intent to transfer to Newman University. I enjoyed the experience of Butler so much (and I admit the cheaper tuition) so much that I am not going to transfer to Newman just yet.

Throughout the semester, as part of English Comp II we kept on online journal then last night I watched Julie and Julia. I enjoyed the online journal idea and now it has come to a close. After watching the movie, it inspired me to keep the idea alive. The optimum was three times a week and that was fairly easy to keep up with. I think that while I have nothing monumental and no real challenge like cooking 500 recipes, I will challenge myself. My challenge is to record next semester using my sadly neglected blog.

The experience of going back to school was remarkably enjoyable. After all this time trying to figure out what to do with myself, the struggle of trying to find who I really am and a real purpose outside of being a mother or wife was there. I've taught the last three years and have always loved English- writing and literature. The answer was there- teach. That is my goal- improve my writing and complete my Masters Degree in Secondary Education.

I finished this last semester with a 3.75 on the Dean's Honor Roll. I'm going to do it again and keep this ball rolling!

Oh.My.Gosh!

I have been so busy playing with Ravelry that my poor blog has been sorely neglected. I'm going to try and fix that this summer!

School is almost at an end. Monday was 3rd grade Field Day and you can see Beastie's excitement! (Such an understated child...) Today was Jordan's 6th grade awards and he got three! I'm so proud!! There are only three days of school and five days of Seminary for me. I love teaching but it will be nice to take a break also!

This summer we are going to try something new- we're going to try to get out more and use our local resources for learning and exercise. It sounds like a good goal and now that I have typed it out, it seems more realistic. We shall see!!

Merry Christmas

The holidays are fast upon us. Most of the shopping is done, meals are being planned and we are all safe at home.

Today is the kid's last day of school with parties and snacks aplenty. Hubby took the week off so happily he can attend also. The presents are mostly all wrapped and all is well.

Part of me is a bit sad, money has been tight so I was concerned that the gift load would be light. A week ago, some friends had a serious house fire and lost most everything. While helping sort through what was left of their lives, the one thing we say but sometimes don't always mean was "at least we have each other" and everyone was safe. Isn't that what Christmas is really about?

I found at that my ward donated over $2300 with no official announcements made, just donations from any who desired, the high school band donated $870 from ONE night's concert donations and the high school (students and parents) donated $1200 to this family. Hubby got some friends together from MOG and they put together enough money that hubby was able to purchase three MP3 players.

In a time where the economy and all of us are struggling, we still came together to help a family in true need. My hopes and my heart are renewed. The presents are nice, but I have what truly counts. Love.

Halloween Came Early

Halloween came a day early and we had visitors!! Maverick (get it, Top Gun) and a hanger-on. That woman loves a Maverick ya know!!

Okay, so it's me doing a Palin impression (and not so well). Hubby wanted something subtle and came up with the maverick idea. I took his idea and went with a less then subtle compliemntary costume. Me? Subtle?? I wouldn't know the meaning of the word if it hit me in the head. T

Tonight was our church Trunk or Treat so we dressed up the kiddies (they wanted to take pictures tomorrow). Two days of dressing up and candy gathering fun!! It's the best!!

Welcome October!!

It's my favorite time of year!! The trees turn into gorgeous blazes of reds, golds and oranges while the hot summer heat gives way to cool autumn. It's time to break out the knitting in full force and cuddle up with some hot chocolate.

Much has been going on and yet nothing new. Changes are in the wind but we must patiently wait. Hubby is job hunting so huge changes could be in store but until the hunt is successful, we lie in wait. The waiting is trying our patience but we know it is for the best. Hubby's job is at a dead end so we need to find a new path and honestly, I'm due for some changes more than I care to admit.

Etsy Update or Where The Heck Have I Been??

After neglecting my poor little blog, I thought it was time to get with it again!! I've been playing way too much on Ravelry and getting quite a lot of knitting done among other things however.

Summer is nearly coming to an end with school fast approaching. Some ideas have been floating around in my head and now they are reality (scary huh).

I put three charm bracelets in my little Etsy shop. I love the sound of the charms tinkling together! It's such a happy little noise (you just can't sneak up on anyone, hehe).

Hope everyone's summer has been wonderful!!

WANT!!!

These super cute Stackable Kitties are new over at Mochimochi Shop along with Tubby. What a fun way to get a kid to like bath time!! Good clean fun!
Go check them out for the cutest things you ever saw!!! I have a baby nephew who might get some stackable kitties!!

Gone to Prison

Well, it's happened. I'm in Needleworth Prison (as an employee- gotcha!).

Okay, before anyone panics it's a group on Ravelry and it's been a bit too much fun!!
I had the idea to make some t-shirts for the group and with a lot of help and support, we did it!!

We have t-shirts on Spreadshirt AND Cafepress.

It's a neat deal. You upload your design, decide what you want it on and how much (if any) markup you want. People do it for fundraisers... Speaking of which- One dollar of each purchase from either place goes to Ravelry to help buy a new server. A cool shirt and being helpful!! It's win/win!! I'm wearing my Ravelry all summer long baby!!

The red badge is Jenifleur's and the black one is mine.

Time to Get Ready for Swimsuit Season!!

I think I shall put these little (haha) beauties in my queue on Ravelry! I will be the hit of the neighborhood pool dontcha think?? Whoo hoo!

Okay okay, late April Fools. I'm not making the bottoms... *snicker*

Don't Egg Me On!

I saw these little cuties at my favorite food site, Creampuffs In Venice who got them from the cutest blog Bittersweet and I think I seriously need to make some. Aren't they cuuuuute?!?

(Or maybe I'll just end up with egg on my face at another project I don't get done?)

When Life Hands You Lemons....

...you knit.

I know that's not the proverbial answer but right now that is all I'm left with to keep me sane.

We have a teenager in the house, all of fourteen since last September. He is trying every inch of our patience and sanity. Everytime we turn our backs, something new and disturbing shows up. We have done the grounding thing, no effect really. We have tried pretty much everything any decent parent has in their arsonal... all to no effect. The boy is pretty much impervious to any and all punishments, nothing phases him or bothers him.

It got me thinking about knitting though. Knitting never argues with you, knitting never hits it's brother or comes up with new ways to embarrass the family (well, if it does, it's the knitter's fault-- thinking Christmas sweaters). If you don't your knitting, you send it back to the frog pond, set it aside until you feel like dealing with it or just bag the whole thing and walk away. No fuss, no muss. Easy squeezy, lemon-peazy! I love knitting, it's all that is keeping me sane in a newly insane life.

Maybe I'll make my son take up knitting, he has lots of spare time on his hands since he's grounded for life at present.

Happy Birthday Beastie!!

Our baby is no longer a baby anymore! I'm not sure if I want to cry or just think "man, I'm gettin' old."

Our wee beastie is no longer wee but a big ol' EIGHT years old. Still cute as a button though!!


He has a day of games and Red Robin with family and friends. Hope it's a great one for such a great kid! As you can see, he's very excited about it all (and his rice pudding was pretty yummy too he said). ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day!! Hope yours is going as well as mine!

Hubby went WAAAYYY beyond cool this year with "A Valentine for All Your Senses" He had a CD of songs with 'love' in the title, my favorite movie, choooocooollaate, roses and... are you ready for this?? YARN!!

He went to my favorite yarn store Twist. Being the awesome hubby he is and knowing I am having having a sock knitting fetish, asked for sock yarn then purchased TWO gorgeous hanks. Funny thing is, he picked the Alpaca Sox I'd been eyeballing for him. Good taste that guy has!!

I think he deserves a BIIIGGG present, hehe.